Chlark in the DP [Archive] - KSiteTV Television & Movie Forums

DorothyFan1

04-27-2006, 07:39 PM

After seeing this episode...I CANNOT believe this woman played by Erica Durance is going to be THE ONE for Clark since she's "Lois Lane". WTH were the writers thinking about this "character" of Lois Lane?!

The opening scene was enough to show you what I'm talking about. Lois Lane playing that video game on the plasma widescreen was simply...UNREAL. My jaw dropped when I saw this scene. It was uber cringing to see this. If this isn't a heavy handed "anvil" telling us THIS Lois Lane isn't right for Clark...I really don't know what will do it.

However...for the Chlark fans out there...if they have Chlark...just remember...you're being set up for failure. Chloe Sullivan doesn't "survive" in Superman canon in the sense her characterization won't make it beyond Smallville. This is all you have. Smallville's "Chloe Sullivan" will die out once the show ends.

The only thing that can save AM for all she's done for this show is for the writers to let her BECOME Lois Lane in name as we know her as she is in spirit. Because unless she gets that name...there's no hope. It becomes cruel irony that the writers are making Lois Lane such a crass "child" that simply can't see what's in front of her while Chloe is the one who can "see".

The only thing missing from that closing scene between Chloe and Clark is right after Clark says "It was like I couldn't breathe..."....the writers should have had Chloe whisper back..."That's how I felt all these years, Clark", and then fade to black.

amberdawn

04-27-2006, 07:40 PM

Okay, if you want to talk about Chlois you should go to the Chlois thread.

MBCorp

04-27-2006, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by DorothyFan1
After seeing this episode...I CANNOT believe this woman played by Erica Durance is going to be THE ONE for Clark since she's "Lois Lane". WTH were the writers thinking about this "character" of Lois Lane?!

The opening scene was enough to show you what I'm talking about. Lois Lane playing that video game on the plasma widescreen was simply...UNREAL. My jaw dropped when I saw this scene. It was uber cringing to see this. If this isn't a heavy handed "anvil" telling us THIS Lois Lane isn't right for Clark...I really don't know what will do it.

Yeah, because god forbid Lois Lane enjoys playing video games. :rolleyes:

rumpuso

04-27-2006, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by DorothyFan1
The only thing missing from that closing scene between Chloe and Clark is right after Clark says "It was like I couldn't breathe..."....the writers should have had Chloe whisper back..."That's how I felt all these years, Clark", and then fade to black.
That would have been a silly way to end that because Clark and Chloe were never a couple in the equal sense that Lana and Clark were. It was a one sided idolization on Chloe's part.

sstray72

04-27-2006, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by MBCorp
Yeah, because god forbid Lois Lane enjoys playing video games. :rolleyes:

Yeah, women who play video games are great.

ClarkSupportsOrganic

04-27-2006, 07:45 PM

Yea, I'll admit the end of that scene I was like "just make out already!"

EllenF

04-27-2006, 07:45 PM

They've been foreshadowing Chlark since the first episode of the series. They've hardly foreshadowed Lexana at all. And yet here we have Lexana, and no flippin' Chlark. Not even a hint of Chlark, sounds like. I'm deeply perturbed.:mad:

DorothyFan1

04-27-2006, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by rumpuso
That would have been a silly way to end that because Clark and Chloe were never a couple in the equal sense that Lana and Clark were. It was a one sided idolization on Chloe's part.

You're missing the point for having Chloe make that comment. She's been on the outside watching Clark be with Lana all these years. Chloe was the one having trouble "breathing" watching Clark being with Lana.

Aloof

04-27-2006, 07:46 PM

Originally posted by sstray72
Yeah, women who play video games are great.

I play video games! ;) Kingdom Hearts to be exact. :D

LastingChlarker

04-27-2006, 07:46 PM

I don't get why Lois playing a video game proves she is absolutely wrong for Clark.

I'm a big Chlark fan, and I like the Chlois idea, but I don't know...that didn't set me off. And this is probably not the thread to discuss Chlois.

Even if Chlark happens and we know it's not going to last...doesn't mean they can't write it well.

Anyway, back on topic. I liked their scenes tonight. And I'm glad he didn't stay mad at her.

rumpuso

04-27-2006, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by DorothyFan1
You're missing the point for having Chloe make that comment. She's been on the outside watching Clark be with Lana all these years. Chloe was the one having trouble "breathing" watching Clark being with Lana.
No no no...I'm sorry. I do understand the point made. It's just that I appreciated Chloe's maturity in realizing that, while she may have felt hurt, there was simply no point in bringing up a comparison between the two situations. There was no comparison based on the reality of each relationship.

Deana

04-27-2006, 07:49 PM

god, I don't want to see Chlark romance. Watching Chloe grin up a Clark in loving adoration is just as sickening as Clark smiling down at Lana. Both are played out.

Friendship Chlark, although better last season, works. Chlark romance at this point would be just as contrived as people say Lexana is.

LastingChlarker

04-27-2006, 07:50 PM

Chloe making that comment may have been a bit cheesy. I liked the way they had it play out and the way AM played that scene. You could tell, even though Clark couldn't.

rumpuso

04-27-2006, 07:52 PM

I don't believe they are going in the direction of a Chlark romance. It seems, if anything, that season 6 is foreshadowing the possibility of a romance for Clois since both Lois and Clark's storylines revolved around love or romance gone bad. Chloe doesn't really play any part in that for Clark.

EllenF

04-27-2006, 07:52 PM

"god, I don't want to see Chlark romance. Watching Chloe grin up a Clark in loving adoration is just as sickening as Clark smiling down at Lana. Both are played out."

Well, I disagree, because Chlark romance has never actually been done, while Clana has been done repeatedly. I don't see how something can be played out when it's never actually happened. But I will freely admit I'm biased:D .

amberdawn

04-27-2006, 07:53 PM

shinedown

04-27-2006, 07:55 PM

yeah, its too late to start chlark this season and next season is almost gauranteed to be clois. oh well, i like clois better anyway but i just cant stand to see chloe looking so hurt all the time and clark pining over lana.

EllenF

04-27-2006, 07:58 PM

They can't start a serious Chlark this season, but they could gently foreshadow it with an almost-kiss or something. However, I wouldn't want them to do that and then switch to Clois immediately instead. That would just make Lois look bad, and maybe Clark too.

Deana

04-27-2006, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by EllenF
"god, I don't want to see Chlark romance. Watching Chloe grin up a Clark in loving adoration is just as sickening as Clark smiling down at Lana. Both are played out."

Well, I disagree, because Chlark romance has never actually been done, while Clana has been done repeatedly. I don't see how something can be played out when it's never actually happened. But I will freely admit I'm biased:D .

I'm tired of Chloe's crush and seeing any inkling of it returning sucks big time!

Add that to the fact that Clark magically being in love with her after certain things happening between them(see love potion gatarade episode last season) screams contrived.

Chloe's love for Clark is played out.

Superman_Beyond

04-27-2006, 08:02 PM

Even though i dont think Clark and CHloe belong together i do wish they could get together so Chloe can get him out of her system so she can finally move on.

bluegayle

04-27-2006, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by Deana

Add that to the fact that Clark magically being in love with her after certain things happening between them(see love potion gatarade episode last season) screams contrived.

The Chlark fan fic cover this case very well. It's a matter of letting Clark realize Chloe as "a girl who supports him in every way" over a few episodes.

Consider how much she did for him just from Season 4 Finale to now, compared to the same time period of angst for Clark and Lana.

And I'm guessing she'll have a good part to play in Season 5 finale also, though I haven't read any spoilers so I dont know.

If what these others are saying is true that there will be Clois hints or actual romance in Season 6, I'm just very sad for Chloe.

rumpuso

04-27-2006, 08:14 PM

Chloe should never be defined as *will she or won't she* have Clark. Clark has established that he's not interested in her romantically. She seems to have made great strides this season in moving on from that. Hopefully the writing staff won't bring up that jealousy aspect of Chloe's character again. It was unnattractive. She has enough in her life right now with front page news stories and a trunk full of James Bond gadgets. She doesn't need Clark.

DorothyFan1

04-27-2006, 08:21 PM

Originally posted by rumpuso
I don't believe they are going in the direction of a Chlark romance. It seems, if anything, that season 6 is foreshadowing the possibility of a romance for Clois since both Lois and Clark's storylines revolved around love or romance gone bad. Chloe doesn't really play any part in that for Clark.

You may be right and now that you mentioned it...I wished I had thought of it myself when I watched this episode. Maybe I'm wishing for Chlark to happen so bad that I'm missing the clues the writers are setting up a Clois pairing? Ugh.

puddinpiester

04-27-2006, 09:41 PM

They are such good friends who care so deeply for each other. Unfortunately, too much like siblings. They both deserve to be happy, darn it.

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 12:38 AM

Disagree with the sibling thing- the amount of two shot alone (given that they did the exact same thing with Lexana) should clue people in where these two are headed.

I loved all their DP scene tonight, but the adorableness of him knocking on the window to annouce her byline was just the cutest. I also loved that they were DP partners in the opener - Chloe totally faked him a pass, and that is just awesome.

CK&CK

04-28-2006, 01:04 AM

Originally posted by Deana
god, I don't want to see Chlark romance. Watching Chloe grin up a Clark in loving adoration is just as sickening as Clark smiling down at Lana. Both are played out.

Friendship Chlark, although better last season, works. Chlark romance at this point would be just as contrived as people say Lexana is.

I'm not sure about Chlark anymore....I mean...I'm not sure whether I want it to happen anymore because let's face it....this Smallville version of Clark is a Jerk whose commanding officer is not his brain (as Lois would say). However, I don't believe you can say it will automatically be as contrived.....it all depends on how they write and develop it over the course of a season......but then, I start to think of the people we have writting this show, and while I don't think it's written in contrived stone just yet.....if I were to bet you legal tender on it , I'd probably want odds......can't take too much risk with my hard earned money.

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 01:12 AM

They did the two shot with Clana last year, we got Clana this year. They started two shot with Lexana end of last year, we get Lexana this year.

Chlark has always been in two shot, but the shots are lingering for minutes on end. I'm in editting classes right now and there is no reason to do that unless you want people to think that those two people belong together; shot composition has meaning, and we've seen the meaning happen on this show (or I have because I've been taught to look for it.)

So I think we'll see it, in the DP next year for sure. They won't break all filming conventions, Beeman and Marshall are too professional for that. And when it's standard across multiple directors (like it has been) then it becomes more than purposeful, it becomes its own form of foreshadowing.

savingpeoplething

04-28-2006, 01:25 AM

Originally posted by Chiriru
I loved all their DP scene tonight, but the adorableness of him knocking on the window to annouce her byline was just the cutest. I also loved that they were DP partners in the opener - Chloe totally faked him a pass, and that is just awesome.

I was glad to see Clark being so supportive of Chloe when he knocked on the window. He seemed really proud of her and seeing how happy that made her was refreshing :)
I also happened to like the opening scene when they were outside the courthouse. You talk about cute...loved how she put the pass on for him because he didn't seem to know what to do with it :)

rumpuso

04-28-2006, 04:06 AM

Originally posted by CK&CK

This statement is so off the mark to me that I can't even fathom how you draw this conclusion.

Originally posted by Chiriru
[B]Disagree with the sibling thing- the amount of two shot alone (given that they did the exact same thing with Lexana) should clue people in where these two are headed.

I loved all their DP scene tonight, but the adorableness of him knocking on the window to annouce her byline was just the cutest. I also loved that they were DP partners in the opener - Chloe totally faked him a pass, and that is just awesome.
I see them more as siblings too. Can't see an inkling of romantic interest on Clark's side. But I do agree with you about the sweetness of Clark knocking on the window.

jaime,oburg

04-28-2006, 04:24 AM

Originally posted by sstray72
Yeah, I just said that in another thread. Chloe was remembering how she found out about the Clana back in season 2. Heck yes she understands how he feels. It looks as if TPTB may have Chloe make a move, but I'd rather it be Clark make the move in season 6 if there's going to Chlark (and have her reject him at first too. :D )

My thoughts too! Aghhh, how can the BDA say to Chloe she has no idea how it feels to see the one you love in the arms of a (former in Clark's case) friend. Insensitivity or shortmindedness? Either way, She knows extactly what it is like to find out the way Clark did. Her expression said it all, she was thinking of course I do, but took the higher road not to remind Clark. I dunno where they are going with this, Clark's look to Chloe at the end where they talk about moving on leaves us ambigous as usual.

photogirl

04-28-2006, 04:44 AM

I was hoping that scene was foreshadowing some Chlark...but it's probably wishful thinking since I'm all for Chlark. When she said, "lana's moved on, maybe you should too." I was like foreshadowing...I hope.

Lobby4Chloe

04-28-2006, 05:07 AM

My view of Clark's feelings was always that he knows somewhere that a relationship between him and Chloe is possible, but he has always pushed it away as "not right now". I think the last time they broached the subject was the last scene in 'Devoted' and said as much. Also, keep in mind that he did make the move to start taking her out on his own (after getting jealous) back in Season 1. He didn't have to do that at all.

About the foreshadowing with Lois, I think that's all it is. If they can make Chloe miserable for five years, they can make Lois miserable for another year or two, it's not going to make a difference. Besides, to give too much Clois would be almost like violating the 'no tights, no flights' rule.

I do feel like though that even if they ever did do a Chlark romantic relationship, that's doomed from the start too bc of what I guess TPTB (or have read) feel about how Clark's attitude towards Lana should be for the *whole* show. I'm thinking primarily of the 'Clark thinks he should be with Lana for the whole of Smallville' comment. Kind of limits you story-wise, doesn't it?

Here's a question, if D.C. Comics bought the rights to Chloe's character, how come they never introduce her into them? They have the power to legitimize her in canon, but haven't done so. If SV comes and goes without them doing it, they will never do it and that would be a slap in the face for Chloe's character...just some thoughts.

CallMeClark

04-28-2006, 05:33 AM

That scene was sad. The writing in this episode was good.

wb-superman

04-28-2006, 07:55 AM

I was really hoping Clark can kissed Chloe after he saw Lana kissing Lex. Then Chlark would be romantic now.

BadToad

04-28-2006, 08:03 AM

I really liked that scene. And yes, I thought Clark was being a little oblivious to Chloe, but I don't think thats a hanging offense. Lana-fog does tend to clog up her brain. But I also thought there was no mistaking the pride Clark felt for Chloe in getting her article published, and I liked how he apologized for his prior behavior. This is why the Chlark relationship works so well....they act like real people around each other, and that means occasionally being dopey.

I don't know how I feel about romance between them. I'm open to it, but I wouldn't want anything to ruin the terrific friendship they've built. They are the most solid and realistic relationship on the show.

bluegayle

04-28-2006, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by Lobby4Chloe

About the foreshadowing with Lois, I think that's all it is. If they can make Chloe miserable for five years, they can make Lois miserable for another year or two, it's not going to make a difference.

On the contrary, I think the writers give Lois more credit to be on the show than Chloe. They probably would give Clark+Lois a chance before they give Clark+Chloe, ironically.

Here's a question, if D.C. Comics bought the rights to Chloe's character, how come they never introduce her into them? They have the power to legitimize her in canon, but haven't done so. If SV comes and goes without them doing it, they will never do it and that would be a slap in the face for Chloe's character...just some thoughts.

as far as i have heard, they are adding her but i dont know details about it yet. eg, will she be part of smallville and young clark's life, or will she be introduced in his adult years. as an adult, though, he already has interest in lois, so even in comics, her interest in him may go unrequited.

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 09:09 AM

Can't see an inkling of romantic interest on Clark's side.

Like I said earlier - the two shot alone should tell everyone where they are headed and it's no where siblinglly. (Where as I did see a major sibling moment betwen two other characters.)

I really liked that scene. And yes, I thought Clark was being a little oblivious to Chloe, but I don't think thats a hanging offense. Lana-fog does tend to clog up her brain. But I also thought there was no mistaking the pride Clark felt for Chloe in getting her article published, and I liked how he apologized for his prior behavior. This is why the Chlark relationship works so well....they act like real people around each other, and that means occasionally being dopey.

Word, which is why they are awesome.

I was glad to see Clark being so supportive of Chloe when he knocked on the window. He seemed really proud of her and seeing how happy that made her was refreshing
I also happened to like the opening scene when they were outside the courthouse. You talk about cute...loved how she put the pass on for him because he didn't seem to know what to do with it

And notice all their cuteness centers around journalism...

ms.c.

04-28-2006, 11:01 AM

The scenes of them at the Daily Planet were nice. It was also nice to see Chloe put a press pass on Clark and try to get him out of his rut. Combining this with his saving a stranger in Metropolis, made it seem much more like the beginning of the Even Newer Adventures of Superman.

batfinx

04-28-2006, 11:57 AM

I thought we were supposed to see irony in Chloe telling Clark to move on when it seems like she hasn't moved on from carrying a big torch (:D) for him. I'd prefer they not become romantically involved because then Smallville will set a record for starting three doomed romances in one season :lol:

attitudejc

04-28-2006, 02:05 PM

superspider02

04-28-2006, 02:15 PM

i would have like some clark and chloe romance but thay will probly never happen.

hnkmcoy

04-28-2006, 02:18 PM

definately, clark finally got a little taste of what its like on the other side.

jaime,oburg

04-28-2006, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by ms.c.
The scenes of them at the Daily Planet were nice. It was also nice to see Chloe put a press pass on Clark and try to get him out of his rut. Combining this with his saving a stranger in Metropolis, made it seem much more like the beginning of the Even Newer Adventures of Superman.

Loved it when Chloe put the DP pass on Clark. Now if Clark could just find it in himself to get interested in journalism. Someone obviously needs to light a fire under the farmboy's butt.:lol:

ms.c.

04-28-2006, 04:12 PM

Clark likesjournalism. He's just gotten distracted by everything going on in his life. He may also feel like running the farm has to take priority right now. But Lexmas showed Chloe and Clark working together in the future. I think they'll show something like that next season.

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 04:31 PM

Combining this with his saving a stranger in Metropolis, made it seem much more like the beginning of the Even Newer Adventures of Superman.

Oh they totally are. And taking him out of Kansas A&M is the perfect excuse to put him at Met U and the Planet next year. I can't wait.

ms.c.

04-28-2006, 04:58 PM

I hope he goes back to school. It's crazy that he dropped out for the semester. I'd like to see him get back on track.

Lobby4Chloe

04-28-2006, 06:32 PM

as far as i have heard, they are adding her but i dont know details about it yet. eg, will she be part of smallville and young clark's life, or will she be introduced in his adult years. as an adult, though, he already has interest in lois, so even in comics, her interest in him may go unrequited. [/B][/QUOTE]

Requited or not, it would probably cement her status as a solid, 'to take seriously' character in the overall mythos. At which point, I don't think I would care if she ever got together with him or not...just a few thoughts...

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 07:05 PM

Requited or not, it would probably cement her status as a solid, 'to take seriously' character in the overall mythos. At which point, I don't think I would care if she ever got together with him or not...just a few thoughts...

Here is what I've heard. They plan to "incorporate her" which in comic terms could really mean just about anything, IMO. She could be added but dead. She could be someone in disgues. They could totally mutilate the character, we don't know.

We do know that Matt Idelson says there are plans.

We also know that Didot (spell?) the main editor of DC says there are no plans.

And we also know that they talked about it before and then did nothing.

I'd like to see him get back on track.

Between the badge and the Chloe scoop glee, I think we just might see it.

jaime,oburg

04-28-2006, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by BadToad
I really liked that scene. And yes, I thought Clark was being a little oblivious to Chloe, but I don't think thats a hanging offense. Lana-fog does tend to clog up her brain. But I also thought there was no mistaking the pride Clark felt for Chloe in getting her article published, and I liked how he apologized for his prior behavior. This is why the Chlark relationship works so well....they act like real people around each other, and that means occasionally being dopey.

I agree! I guess that is why I have always been a Chlarker. Clark and Chloe can have misunderstandings, but they always seem to forgive and forget because that is just the way it is in real life when you care about someone. They seem to accept each others faults and live with the fact that no one is perfect. When you care about someone you overlook the bad and try to appreciate all the good they bring to your life.

Miss L

04-28-2006, 08:14 PM

I just said someting like this in another thread, but I thinkClark should forgo 'ships and focus on finding himself.

That said I think that the friendship between Clark and Chloe is the perfect catalyst for Clark figuring himself out re: reporter, superhero. I think Chlark would completely derail that.

And forgive me for not quoting you...but whoever said Clark should have kissed Chloe after he saw Lexana kiss, I disagree. That would have been a kiss for all the wrong reasons. Chloe would see right through that as being rebound!Clark and walk the other way.

LordSkywalker

04-28-2006, 08:15 PM

wrong thread.

Liriel

04-28-2006, 08:38 PM

I agree MissL - especially about the kiss.

All about Clark

04-28-2006, 10:22 PM

Definitely wrong time for the kiss.

I think something will start brewing between the 2 of them. Clark seemed so proud of her front page story and she reciprocated by saying she owed to him. Clark is starting to believe in her.

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 10:56 PM

I agree - I think the kiss needs to be something big when it comes up whenever that is.

Clark seemed so proud of her front page story and she reciprocated by saying she owed to him. Clark is starting to believe in her.

Hasn't that been what this season is about? Clark learning to believe in people and take action; Chloe working to get her dreams?

Bodes well for the up coming season, me thinks.

BadToad

04-28-2006, 11:04 PM

Actually, Clark has believed in Chloe all season. Think about Mortal, when they are trying to get the serum together, and he keeps complimenting her ("Who needs superpowers with you around?). Or Exposed, where he showed pride that she got her first printed article. Solitude, where he talks about her disproving what Fine said about humans ("he obviously didn't know you very well"). Or Tomb ("you care about people more then anyone I know").

Thats why when people get down on Clark not being sensitive enough to Chloe, I always look at the other side, and how incredibly complimentary he's been of Chloe.

I don't know if they'll ever have a romance, but Chlark is a great relationship nonetheless. Whatever occurs between them, I just pray its written well. They are too good to screw up.

I just wish they balanced out the brain/brawn stuff a little better. My one niptick.

I always believe that by Chloe knowing Clark's secret for months before he even knew she had found out, it really helped him feel secure with her knowing and put him at ease. After all, she kept the secret so well, he didn't even realize she knew.

Chiriru

04-28-2006, 11:07 PM

I don't know if they'll ever have a romance, but Chlark is a great relationship nonetheless. Whatever occurs between them, I just pray its written well. They are too good to screw up.

Word.

Also - great point about the secret keeping. I agree; it could of put him way off balance but this whole year has been him realizing how much he hadn't realized about her before and it's just made them closer without turning into calling each other "Schmoopy." It's great chemistry between Welling and Mack through this 5 year evolution. And you're exactly right BadToad - I really want them to keep writing them right.

mallory

04-29-2006, 12:18 AM

The scene showed, again, how much Chloe is still in love with Clark -- and how he totally is NOT in love with her.

bluegayle

04-29-2006, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by mallory
The scene showed, again, how much Chloe is still in love with Clark -- and how he totally is NOT in love with her.

Actually while I'm sure she still loves him and would love to be with him, this scene as well as other scenes this year (since Reckoning, when they started showing the Chloe angst again) didn't give away that she was in love with him still.

What it did was, show that this is a girl who can be mature that the guy she really loved (at one time, if not right now) is going out with someone else, and she may feel something whenever he talks about sex or marriage or anything else with said girlfriend, but she isn't necessarily thinking to herself about how she can break up that relationship so that she still gets a chance.

The Chloe we see from Season 2 is definitely thinking all these things whenever the camera focuses on her as Clark remains oblivious to her emotions.

I want them to get together...but at the same time, I dont see the Season 5 Chloe as still being hung up on Clark all the time.

jaime,oburg

04-29-2006, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by Miss L
[B

And forgive me for not quoting you...but whoever said Clark should have kissed Chloe after he saw Lexana kiss, I disagree. That would have been a kiss for all the wrong reasons. Chloe would see right through that as being rebound!Clark and walk the other way. [/B]

Couldn't agree more! I would rather have no Chlark kiss this season then have it be for all the wrong reasons.

Chiriru

04-29-2006, 09:33 AM

What it did was, show that this is a girl who can be mature that the guy she really loved (at one time, if not right now) is going out with someone else, and she may feel something whenever he talks about sex or marriage or anything else with said girlfriend, but she isn't necessarily thinking to herself about how she can break up that relationship so that she still gets a chance.

Yep. And we now have Clark who is growing up past that stage (that she's grown out of a while ago). Both have left the childish, adolsecent stage of love behind. Now do we think that adult Choe might love Clark? Sure.

But I don't think we've seen adult Clark really make any choices at all especially as he's just now getting out and over his childish love.

attitudejc

04-29-2006, 11:53 AM

i think he loves her friend love. and its sooo cute...

puddinpiester

04-29-2006, 09:41 PM

It kind of scares me that things seem to be going so well between them as they truly enjoy each other's company. Seems like Clark so often loses that which he loves. They are the kind of friend to each other that anyone would be happy to have. Whatever Chloe's deepest feelings are for Clark, she wisely is not letting those feelings get in the way of her friendship with him. And that, I think, is a testimony of her loyalty, her maturity, and her wisdom. Clark just needs someone in his corner, and there Chloe is, ready to help him any way she can. I believe Clark would do the same.

8SMALLFAN8

04-29-2006, 09:59 PM

Just watched the epi again tonight and I must have viewed that scene about 4 times I loved it so much!! Such a great moment between those two...;)

xrayvision

04-29-2006, 10:08 PM

I liked it when he knocked on the window of the door with that article in his hand, smiling.

I hope Perry White comes on board as a recurring character and allows Clark occasional opportunities to write articles for the DP. I would love to see that.

mallory

04-30-2006, 01:58 AM

Clark has not gotten over his love for Lana. Look at his conversation with Graham about her. Look at how jealous he got when he saw Lana and Lex together. Maybe in future episodes he will, though my feeling is that Clana will ride again.

It's not clear to me why this love that has lasted 13, 14, 15 years or so is childish. Especially when the only thing that stopped them from marrying each other was Lana's death.

Nospam

04-30-2006, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by mallory
Maybe in future episodes he will, though my feeling is that Clana will ride again.

It's not clear to me why this love that has lasted 13, 14, 15 years or so is childish. Especially when the only thing that stopped them from marrying each other was Lana's death.

If Clana happens again I will stop watching, period. Clana is over, done, put a fork in it, finito. It's time for Clark to move on and the show is not about Clark and Lana, but Clark Kent. Yes, Lana was Clark's high school love, but it is an immature, depthless love. It's an infatuation that grew from looking at her from afar through his telescope and not from a personal, meaningful relationship.

Look at Clark's reaction to Lana in Blank, he's mind whammied even though he hasn't said a word to her. It's juvenile. Then we have Clark's comment to Lana that he thinks she's "perfect". Even Lana retorts that Clark was being completely unrealistic. It's not the sort of love that will keep and sustain you for the rest of your life. Lana is the girl he will have to learn to grow out of, just like we have to grow out of childish pursuits and into maturity if we are to grow as people as we get older. The Clark/Lana relationship is an excellent allegory for young love. It's something we all experience, but eventually grow out of as we seek something more meaningful.

EllenF

04-30-2006, 05:01 AM

"It's not clear to me why this love that has lasted 13, 14, 15 years or so is childish. Especially when the only thing that stopped them from marrying each other was Lana's death."

I don't think there's any doubt that Clark has been in love with Lana all this time. But the question is, is it a mature love? Has it inspired him to be a better person, to admit the truth about what he is, and to try to follow his destiny? Or has it encouraged him to conceal what he is, lie, and try to be something he's not? His love for Lana is NOT a mature love, because it's based on a foundation of lies and secrets, and consists mostly of Clark trying to "protect" Lana from things she has every right to know.

And before anyone thinks I'm a Lana hater, the fault doesn't lie in Lana, but in Clark's love for Lana. He sees her as a fragile girl he has to protect from the truth (which is not necessarily the truth, but it's certainly the way he perceives her), and it's obvious from his actions that's never going to change. They will never be able to have a positive relationship, because he sees her as a weak person he must protect at all costs. This is why I'm rooting for Chlark-- because Chloe kicks him in the teeth when he's stupid and needs it, and encourages him to live up to his potential. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't see Chloe as weak and fragile, but as his equal in many ways.

mallory

04-30-2006, 06:43 AM

Originally posted by EllenF

I don't think there's any doubt that Clark has been in love with Lana all this time. But the question is, is it a mature love? Has it inspired him to be a better person, to admit the truth about what he is, and to try to follow his destiny? Or has it encouraged him to conceal what he is, lie, and try to be something he's not?

And before anyone thinks I'm a Lana hater, the fault doesn't lie in Lana, but in Clark's love for Lana. He sees her as a fragile girl he has to protect from the truth (which is not necessarily the truth, but it's certainly the way he perceives her), and it's obvious from his actions that's never going to change. They will never be able to have a positive relationship, because he sees her as a weak person he must protect at all costs. This is why I'm rooting for Chlark-- because Chloe kicks him in the teeth when he's stupid and needs it, and encourages him to live up to his potential. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't see Chloe as weak and fragile, but as his equal in many ways.

Clark's love for Lana absolutely encouraged him to tell her the truth. It was his parents who encouraged him to lie, to conceal, to be what he was not.

Despite that life-long conditioning -- some might call it brainwashing -- Clark did risk it all and revealed himself to Lana. She is the first person he willingly, freely told the truth to.

And she accepted him. She accepted who he was. Like it or not, that is Smallville reality.

I think it's unfair to say Chloe helps him live up to his potential. Of course she does, she knows his secret. Lana does not. Until the truth was revealed, Clark lied just as much to Chloe as he did to Lana. He left her in the lurch as many times. She got just as pissed as Lana did when that happened.

I have always believed Lana would make a good mate for Clark. All he has to do is tell her the truth. Reckoning showed she will accept his super powers, and embrace them. Lexmas, if we can believe it, showed Lana could be a perfect wife and mother.

As a PS, while I didn't think Pa had to die to free Clark, he definitely had to get out of the way. He was holding Clark back, as was Martha.

xrayvision

04-30-2006, 08:27 AM

Clark didn't tell Lana because of the danger it posed. With people like Lex & Lionel always investigating him, Clark didn't want Lana to end up like Pete (who said the secret was harder to keep than he ever initially told Clark) and later on didn't want her to end up dead as a result of her association with Lex.

I don't blame Jonathan or Martha for anything. They were much more mature than Clark and knew that whenever anything involved Clark's secret, it was mostly about people wanting to take advantage of him. They also knew the risk it posed to any of his friends who learned it (like Pete in Duplicity).

Another thing is that Clark never felt he was truly comfortable with Lana if you compare his relationships with people like Kyla and Alicia. This is because they were not normal either (FOTWs). He never was in a relationship with a human long enough to willingly tell them the truth of who he is. Until he finds a way of displaying who he is without compromising his life & loved ones (becoming Superman), he won't really be able to have such a relationship.

I think the only way it would have worked with Lana was for him to tell her that once he had sorted everything out on his own (since he himself is still learning about who he really is), that he would tell her everything. If she could accept that without further questioning, then they could work out. If not, then they could have broke it off right then. But it is Clark's secret, and it is his choice if/when he tells someone. You could see his face when Chloe said "so you're an..." in Arrival (about to say alien but didn't). It clearly makes him uncomfortable when anyone thinks of him like that, and all the pressing Lana did over the years did not help.

Liriel

04-30-2006, 08:30 AM

I say Clark's love for Lana isn't a mature/real one. Because he doesn't see her as she is, but as perfect. He's not seeing the real peson, but the perfect person in his head.

I compare it to Lois & Clark on LnC. That was almost immediate on Clark's part, but he saw Lois as she was - flaws and all.

That's why I don't buy Clark/Lana.

Old Juan

04-30-2006, 09:03 AM

I don't think Clana will ever be romantically involved again. As much as they've strung it out in the past they did something radically different this year. They allowed the pair to be in a relationship that lasted more than one episode, in fact to be in a relationship that lasted for most of the season. They've also gone to great lengths to destroy the couple in a way that they've never done before. There is no credible way for Clana romance to come back at this point and TPTB know it. The only thing left really for Clana is to hopefully reestablish a friendship. This I'm assuming is what will be in the developement for Clana next season.

mallory

04-30-2006, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by Old Juan
I don't think Clana will ever be romantically involved again. As much as they've strung it out in the past they did something radically different this year. They allowed the pair to be in a relationship that lasted more than one episode, in fact to be in a relationship that lasted for most of the season. They've also gone to great lengths to destroy the couple in a way that they've never done before. There is no credible way for Clana romance to come back at this point and TPTB know it. The only thing left really for Clana is to hopefully reestablish a friendship. This I'm assuming is what will be in the developement for Clana next season.

I would agree with you, except I thought that was true in seasons 3 and 4 as well. Clark did the unforgivable. Yet Lana forgave him.

Perhaps they have passed a milestone this year. If Smallville is winding down, and if Lana is not Clark's future (as AlMiles say), then maybe Clana is history.

Hmmm, I still suspect not. They have milked the Lana/Clark romance or lack thereof for 5 years. Will they throw out their winning formula?

IVODARK

04-30-2006, 09:34 AM

Winning formula?

mallory

04-30-2006, 09:35 AM

With the ratings, i.e. their commercial success on TV.

Chiriru

04-30-2006, 09:53 AM

Well ratings were at their all time highest going into S2 - which was on the heels of Chlark from Tempest with a share close to like 8.3. Ratings have gone down hill ever since.

But the question is, is it a mature love? Has it inspired him to be a better person, to admit the truth about what he is, and to try to follow his destiny? Or has it encouraged him to conceal what he is, lie, and try to be something he's not? His love for Lana is NOT a mature love, because it's based on a foundation of lies and secrets, and consists mostly of Clark trying to "protect" Lana from things she has every right to know.

And before anyone thinks I'm a Lana hater, the fault doesn't lie in Lana, but in Clark's love for Lana.

Exactly - I think Lana, oddly, and her feelings have grown up (but they even retconned her as love him for ever as a kid); I don't think Clark has grown with Lana in the same light at all. Accelerate showed it, his unwillingness to tell her in S3-S5 proved it.

Look at Clark's reaction to Lana in Blank, he's mind whammied even though he hasn't said a word to her. It's juvenile. Then we have Clark's comment to Lana that he thinks she's "perfect". Even Lana retorts that Clark was being completely unrealistic. It's not the sort of love that will keep and sustain you for the rest of your life. Lana is the girl he will have to learn to grow out of, just like we have to grow out of childish pursuits and into maturity if we are to grow as people as we get older.

Exactly - it's based on her physical beauty and the girl he built up by looking at her from afar for years; he put away his telescope because that just doesn't work for him any longer.

Getting back to the DP...

I think we're see Clark get back onto the maturation track as said earlier; in terms of actively persuing something. Chris had a great post on TWoP, but Golden Age Clark immediately went to the DP after his parents died of verulent diseases - he was in his early 20's. It makes me wonder if we will see Chlark in the DP a lot next year.

mallory

04-30-2006, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by Chiriru
Well ratings were at their all time highest going into S2 - which was on the heels of Chlark from Tempest with a share close to like 8.3. Ratings have gone down hill ever since.

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Smallville has survived, and thrived, for five years. Few shows last that long. It is one of the WB's highest rated shows, yes? That is what I mean by a winning formula.

Clana has been one of the two main character relationships/conflicts in SV. The other biggie is Clark and Lex. I just wonder how far they are willing to stray from that equation, that has brought them huge success.

MBCorp

04-30-2006, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by Chiriru
Well ratings were at their all time highest going into S2 - which was on the heels of Chlark from Tempest with a share close to like 8.3. Ratings have gone down hill ever since.

I really highly doubt that Chlark was the reason for the high ratings in S2. Most people who watch this show don't watch it for the soap opera element but instead for the Superman mythos element of the show. I doubt that the majority of the SV audience are all that invested in ships, which is why the mythos heavy episodes always get the best ratings. And S2 was really when all that started up big time with Christopher Reeve making an appearance, Clark finding out about Krypton and Jor-El, etc.

Liriel

04-30-2006, 01:54 PM

I really highly doubt that Chlark was the reason for the high ratings in S2. Most people who watch this show don't watch it for the soap opera element but instead for the Superman mythos element of the show.

I don't know if that's true. I love the mythos stuff, but it's on the WB, home of teenage soaps and dramas, so that may well be what a lot the audience tunes in for, especially the more casual audience.

MBCorp

04-30-2006, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by Liriel
I don't know if that's true. I love the mythos stuff, but it's on the WB, home of teenage soaps and dramas, so that may well be what a lot the audience tunes in for, especially the more casual audience.

Good point, except the mythos episodes do seem to get the highest ratings.

Watching Smallville

04-30-2006, 02:43 PM

And going into Season 2, you had the great shows of Season 1 and a fantastic cliffhanger. Season 1 was Clark and his family, Lex, his friends, and Lana. It was a well balanced mix, the stories were good, and the feel of the show was very upbeat. I think that formula was working for them.

I always enjoy the Clark and Chloe scenes, but I have to admit -- I miss the trio of Clark, Chloe, and Pete.

xrayvision

04-30-2006, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by mallory
Is the glass half empty or half full?

Smallville has survived, and thrived, for five years. Few shows last that long. It is one of the WB's highest rated shows, yes? That is what I mean by a winning formula.

Clana has been one of the two main character relationships/conflicts in SV. The other biggie is Clark and Lex. I just wonder how far they are willing to stray from that equation, that has brought them huge success.

Clana is a dead horse now. There's only so much you can squeeze out of it until it runs dry and the fans start getting tired of the same old story. All the Clana breakups were basically mirror images of one another. That's why Hypnotic was not well liked. I for one did like it very much, because it was the final breakup and helped move the show along.

mallory

04-30-2006, 09:44 PM

Originally posted by xrayvision
Clana is a dead horse now. There's only so much you can squeeze out of it until it runs dry and the fans start getting tired of the same old story. All the Clana breakups were basically mirror images of one another. That's why Hypnotic was not well liked. I for one did like it very much, because it was the final breakup and helped move the show along.

You may be right, though I don't see how you can know for sure. That was certainly a pretty stern speech Lana gave Clark in the loft last week, when he warned her about Lex. At the same time, I remember Lana giving Clark similar speeches each of the last few years.

How do you know for sure Clana is over and done with forever?

cotton candy girl

04-30-2006, 09:53 PM

No one but TPTB know if Clana is truly over.

CK&CK

04-30-2006, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by mallory
You may be right, though I don't see how you can know for sure. That was certainly a pretty stern speech Lana gave Clark in the loft last week, when he warned her about Lex. At the same time, I remember Lana giving Clark similar speeches each of the last few years.

How do you know for sure Clana is over and done with forever?

I, myself, never thought Clana was completely over......not in my deepest wildest dreams......but at some point....the moron Clark has to move on.....whether it's with Chloe or Lois.......otherwise among the big four (Clark, Lana, Lex, & Chloe) he will be the least favorite character....if he isn't already........and despite the fact that he is the future "Superman"......he is still coming accross as an jerk.

SnarkMasterJ

05-01-2006, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by mallory
Clana has been one of the two main character relationships/conflicts in SV. The other biggie is Clark and Lex. I just wonder how far they are willing to stray from that equation, that has brought them huge success.

It's a matter of opinion what makes the show a huge success. Unless you came up to all the Smallville fans that have ever existed and asked them what they liked about specific episodes, you can't logically make statements about why people have stayed fans of the show for so long.

Realistically, Clana has always been sandwiched in with other more riveting plot points, so it could be construed that Clana is bringing in the ratings, when in fact, it's really not.

Prime example: "Reckoning". Now is it more realisitic to assume that so many people turned in to find out what would happen next in the grand melodrama that has become Clark and Lana, or that maybe they wanted to find out what key character was going to die and how it affected the show? Just some food for thought.

ON-TOPIC:

The Chlark was rather heavenly. Like BadToad said, even Clark's insensitivity wasn't enough to deter me from enjoying the cuteness, because he did apologize for his behavior, and he did express immense pride in her for her byline. I just love them. No matter what happens romantically between them. They've made this show worth watching for me.

myankskent

05-01-2006, 08:21 AM

SnarkMasterJ

05-01-2006, 08:39 AM

Very true. Ships aren't the only determining factor in viewer interest.

And yeah, as far as "Reckoning", it's anyone's guess really, what made the ratings drop so magnificently afterward. But I think that people definitely noticed when the writers get lazy, and that's the latter half of Season 5 all over -- pure laziness.

mallory

05-01-2006, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by SnarkMasterJ
It's a matter of opinion what makes the show a huge success. Unless you came up to all the Smallville fans that have ever existed and asked them what they liked about specific episodes, you can't logically make statements about why people have stayed fans of the show for so long.

Realistically, Clana has always been sandwiched in with other more riveting plot points, so it could be construed that Clana is bringing in the ratings, when in fact, it's really not.

Prime example: "Reckoning". Now is it more realisitic to assume that so many people turned in to find out what would happen next in the grand melodrama that has become Clark and Lana, or that maybe they wanted to find out what key character was going to die and how it affected the show? Just some food for thought.

Logically, you don't have to talk to every fan who ever watched Smallville. That is impossible. Instead, you can do polls and market surveys. Politicians, advertisers, entertainment companies, and practically every entity that deals with the public does market research of one kind or another.

I don't know that Smallville or the WB has done such surveys, though I would be real surprised if they hadn't. If they have, then it's fair to conclude the surveys show Clana is a big draw. Otherwise, they would not feature that relationship year in, year out. If they haven't done the research, dropping Clana is a huge risk. They know they have a commercial success. They know Clana has been a big part of the show since Day One. Can they afford to end it, without knowing how the public might react?

That really is my question. It is what makes me wonder if we have seen the last of Clana.

It surprises me that anyone thinks Clana has not been a key Smallville relationship. Here is what the online dictionary, Reference.com, says about this...

"The most significant plot arc is the relationship of Clark and his best friend, Lex Luthor. The editors are laying the groundwork for how their relationship will inevitably slide into the legendary conflict between superhero and supervillain. The relationship of Clark and Lana Lang is also a significant plot arc with Clark's need to hide his alien nature endlessly complicating matters between them."

BTW, I did not say the relationships were the only reason people watch the show. I said Clana and Lex/Clark are the major relationships on the show. I do believe the relationships are an essential part of the success, but not the only essential part.

EllenF

05-01-2006, 10:05 AM

"The Chlark was rather heavenly. Like BadToad said, even Clark's insensitivity wasn't enough to deter me from enjoying the cuteness, because he did apologize for his behavior, and he did express immense pride in her for her byline. I just love them. No matter what happens romantically between them. They've made this show worth watching for me."

Not only was it cute, but it really highlighted what makes their relationship work. They had a blowout (because Clark was being irrational and took out his anger at Lex and Lana on her-- but who among us hasn't blown up irrationally at a friend?), but despite their fight they continued to work together like reasonable human beings (or aliens:) ). At the end, Clark admitted his error, and she politely accepted his apology without any show of snideness or snarkiness. They have a nice, mature relationship, and it really showed in this episode.

SnarkMasterJ

05-01-2006, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by mallory
Logically, you don't have to talk to every fan who ever watched Smallville. That is impossible. Instead, you can do polls and market surveys. Politicians, advertisers, entertainment companies, and practically every entity that deals with the public does market research of one kind or another.

It may be physically impossible to talk to every Smallville fan ever, but it's not illogical. It is logical to conclude that even surveys and polls aren't fool-proof and therefore can't be taken as doctrine.

Originally posted by mallory
I don't know that Smallville or the WB has done such surveys, though I would be real surprised if they hadn't. If they have, then it's fair to conclude the surveys show Clana is a big draw. Otherwise, they would not feature that relationship year in, year out. If they haven't done the research, dropping Clana is a huge risk. They know they have a commercial success. They know Clana has been a big part of the show since Day One. Can they afford to end it, without knowing how the public might react?

That's kind of reaching. You started off saying that you don't know what surveys Smallville or The WB have conducted, but then made an assumption about what the results would be had the surveys been conducted. You can't base an argument on assumptions. You have to base them on facts. Show me a poll or survey and then maybe we'll have something to talk about.

Originally posted by mallory
That really is my question. It is what makes me wonder if we have seen the last of Clana.

It surprises me that anyone thinks Clana has not been a key Smallville relationship. Here is what the online dictionary, Reference.com, says about this...

"The most significant plot arc is the relationship of Clark and his best friend, Lex Luthor. The editors are laying the groundwork for how their relationship will inevitably slide into the legendary conflict between superhero and supervillain. The relationship of Clark and Lana Lang is also a significant plot arc with Clark's need to hide his alien nature endlessly complicating matters between them."

Something being a major story arc is not a direct reflection of fan approval.

And no one said anything about Clana not being a key SV relationship. Obviously it is, it's been drawn out for nigh five seasons now. I think the only matter being discussed is whether or not it's been five seasons too long.

Originally posted by mallory
BTW, I did not say the relationships were the only reason people watch the show. I said Clana and Lex/Clark are the major relationships on the show. I do believe the relationships are an essential part of the success, but not the only essential part.

Okay. I don't think anyone said you said that. I think whoever said that relationships weren't the only reason people watch was just them making their own separate point.

**ETA: Horribly off-topic folks. Apologies.

xrayvision

05-01-2006, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by mallory
You may be right, though I don't see how you can know for sure. That was certainly a pretty stern speech Lana gave Clark in the loft last week, when he warned her about Lex. At the same time, I remember Lana giving Clark similar speeches each of the last few years.

How do you know for sure Clana is over and done with forever?

Because another on-again phase of Clana would be suicide for the show. Any credibility the show has would be gone if this happens. Major events happened to Clark, and I can not remotely see them going out again. I believe that the event that will split them (romantically) forever is Lexana and the upcoming events. Too much was and will be said for them to go back. Clark has to mature into Superman very soon, since S6 is most likely the last season of Smallville. I can't see Clark getting back together with a reckless Lana who will find out the secret as a result of this unholy alliance (Lexana). They can only be friends from now on. Mark my words.

EllenF

05-02-2006, 04:29 AM

"I can't see Clark getting back together with a reckless Lana who will find out the secret as a result of this unholy alliance (Lexana). They can only be friends from now on. Mark my words."

Clana cannot possibly work unless Clark tells her his secret-- otherwise it's just more pounding of heads against brick walls. And after Clark saw Lana and Lex smooching in "Fade," I cannot imagine him telling her his secret. There is no possible way he could ever trust her enough. Therefore, there is no logical way Clana could be brought back (unless Lana is mind-whammied, or actually Fine in disguise, or something along those lines, which doesn't appear to be the case right now).

I'll concede that the writers aren't always logical, but I'd hate to see Clana return at this point.

puddinpiester

05-02-2006, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by xrayvision
Clark didn't tell Lana because of the danger it posed. With people like Lex & Lionel always investigating him, Clark didn't want Lana to end up like Pete (who said the secret was harder to keep than he ever initially told Clark) and later on didn't want her to end up dead as a result of her association with Lex.

I don't blame Jonathan or Martha for anything. They were much more mature than Clark and knew that whenever anything involved Clark's secret, it was mostly about people wanting to take advantage of him. They also knew the risk it posed to any of his friends who learned it (like Pete in Duplicity).

Another thing is that Clark never felt he was truly comfortable with Lana if you compare his relationships with people like Kyla and Alicia. This is because they were not normal either (FOTWs). He never was in a relationship with a human long enough to willingly tell them the truth of who he is. Until he finds a way of displaying who he is without compromising his life & loved ones (becoming Superman), he won't really be able to have such a relationship.

I think the only way it would have worked with Lana was for him to tell her that once he had sorted everything out on his own (since he himself is still learning about who he really is), that he would tell her everything. If she could accept that without further questioning, then they could work out. If not, then they could have broke it off right then. But it is Clark's secret, and it is his choice if/when he tells someone. You could see his face when Chloe said "so you're an..." in Arrival (about to say alien but didn't). It clearly makes him uncomfortable when anyone thinks of him like that, and all the pressing Lana did over the years did not help.

I so like this post. I agree. Clark needs to figure things out about himself before he is gonna feel comfortable volunteering tht information of his own free will. I'm OK with that. Like Prof. said, "Patience...waiting..."

Even though I think Clark's parents impacted his insatiable need to conceal his secret, I think they did it for the right reasons, and it was the right way to handle Clark's secret. People would have used him and his abilities without regard to him personally.

xrayvision

05-02-2006, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by puddinpiester
I so like this post. I agree. Clark needs to figure things out about himself before he is gonna feel comfortable volunteering tht information of his own free will. I'm OK with that. Like Prof. said, "Patience...waiting..."

Even though I think Clark's parents impacted his insatiable need to conceal his secret, I think they did it for the right reasons, and it was the right way to handle Clark's secret. People would have used him and his abilities without regard to him personally.

Exactly. Pete, who was a great friend to Clark even did it in Velocity. With that kind of secret, he has to make 100% sure that who he tells it to is stable and won't backstab him in case he has a falling out with them. Notice how he never really voluntarily told the secret to anyone (he had to tell Pete to stop the mess he was about to get into in Duplicity, but had Pete not found the ship, he would have continued keeping it a secret). Everyone else who found out did either because they were in a dire situation where he had to use his powers in front of them to save them (Alicia), because he was on red-k and got sloppy, because someone who knew the secret told another (how Chloe learned), or didn't watch his back (how Phelan learned). Lionel learned due to his obsession, spying, and the stones.

But never once was he in a situation where there was no pressure on him to tell someone the secret and him voluntarily telling that person. He feels it's an incredible burden, and that people he tells will look at him like they have been unfamiliar with him all this time (like Pete did).

I think Lana in previous seasons wouldn't have accepted him (she said it would freak her out), but as of S5 she would have (and did) but with the problem of Lex's association with her that got her killed when she was told.

EllenF

05-02-2006, 04:38 PM

"But never once was he in a situation where there was no pressure on him to tell someone the secret and him voluntarily telling that person."

Not quite true. Chloe was aware he had abilities, but she assumed he was a meteor freak, which would have been a very reasonable explanation. But he CHOSE to tell her he was an alien instead. So he did voluntarily share part of his secret with her-- perhaps the most important part-- even though she knew quite a lot of it.

Watching Smallville

05-02-2006, 04:51 PM

I think that's a very important point. He has avoided telling everyone else he's extraterrestrial -- even when they knew about his powers.

mallory

05-02-2006, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by EllenF
"But never once was he in a situation where there was no pressure on him to tell someone the secret and him voluntarily telling that person."

Not quite true. Chloe was aware he had abilities, but she assumed he was a meteor freak, which would have been a very reasonable explanation. But he CHOSE to tell her he was an alien instead. So he did voluntarily share part of his secret with her-- perhaps the most important part-- even though she knew quite a lot of it.

The one person he voluntarily shared his secret with was Lana.

EllenF

05-02-2006, 06:21 PM

"The one person he voluntarily shared his secret with was Lana."

Yes, and even that came across more like a knee-jerk reaction of terror that he was going to lose her than a calm, reasoned decision that he needed to share his secret with her. The big dumb dork.

Miss L

05-02-2006, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by EllenF
"The one person he voluntarily shared his secret with was Lana."

Yes, and even that came across more like a knee-jerk reaction of terror that he was going to lose her than a calm, reasoned decision that he needed to share his secret with her. The big dumb dork.

:lol: I just said the same thing in the Lana doesn't owe Clark anything thread. Great minds think alike.

xrayvision

05-02-2006, 09:17 PM

He was pressured with Lana after all those years and with the hints that he was about to lose her, and to Lex out of all people.

He also volunteered the info about himself being an alien to Pete, but I guess he had to since Pete was the only one to have seen the ship.

I think with Chloe, he told her since he saw what a good friend she had been and thought it would be good for her to know since she already knew a major part. His powers are 50% of the reason why there would be people out to exploit him. But still, if you look at it, would he have told her if she never saw him using his powers thanks to Alicia? I don't think so. But I give him partial credit for that one. Lois will probably be the only one who will be told without any pressure on him, and that won't take place on this show.

mallory

05-02-2006, 10:34 PM

The Chlark theorists often have convoluted explanations for what are simple facts. Fact: Clark chose to reveal his secret to Lana. That was after years of wanting to, planning to, but allowing fate, violence, parental influence and fear for her safety to stop him, often at the last second.

Fact: he did not choose to reveal his secret to Chloe. He told her as much as he did, because she showed up at the FOS, half freezing to death, admitting she already knew about his powers.

xrayvision

05-02-2006, 11:52 PM

Well, if you think he would have still told her had she not been researching the ship with Lex and felt her slipping away and get closer to Lex (not necessarily in a romantic sense), then go ahead. This is coming from a non-Chlark theorist, but from a person who is hoping that these "ships" get toned down drastically so we can have some good progression.

I think he would have told her eventually when he was comfortable had the events in the 1st half of Reckoning not happened. I also think the same thing would have happened if Jor-El not bothered him all those years and if Pete was never put into that dangerous situation, but the fact of the matter is that they did happen, so it's a moot point. Chloe had to convince him to tell Lana by saying "sooner or later she will be asking all the wrong people all the right questions". The fact is that he has yet to tell someone completely on his own means without any scenario or events being the driving force of doing such a thing, and I'm fairly sure that it's because of all the unpredictability in his life. He never knows when Jor-El will show up and make demands, or when some other freak occurence will occur (perhaps relating to his powers or other Kryptonians). Once he has a better understanding of the how & why in his life and has more control (i.e. becoming Superman), I'm sure he would be feel much more comfortable opening up. I wouldn't want to bring my friends in that bizarre circle if I were him either.

mallory

05-03-2006, 01:24 AM

Clark told Lana because he loved her and wanted to marry her. That is the only reason. If that weren't true, he could have and would have lied to and stalled her, again, as he has virtually every other person on the planet.

EllenF

05-03-2006, 04:36 AM

"The Chlark theorists often have convoluted explanations for what are simple facts. Fact: Clark chose to reveal his secret to Lana. (snip) Fact: he did not choose to reveal his secret to Chloe."

I'm not sure I'm exactly a "Chlark theorist." I write Chlark stories, but that's not the same thing, since fanfiction has nothing to do with canon. I'd like to see romantic Chlark, but I'm nevertheless quite willing to admit Clark has been in love with Lana for five years, and not Chloe.

But another fact did occur to me: while on red K, Clark did voluntarily choose to tell Chloe about his secret. He didn't tell Lana his secret any of the times he was on red K.

jaime,oburg

05-03-2006, 04:46 AM

The real secret is that Clark is an alien.
Chloe has been aware their are alot of people with special abilities. No big surprise or secret there. Many people Kyla, Alicia for example Clark admitted to being special. Chloe thought he was a meterior freak and he COULD have just gone along with what she thought his secret was. FOS could have been excused by the usual I dunno, weird huh or SV lame explaination that has been the acceptable canon with everyone.
He didn't have to tell her the real truth, he was an alien. That took an amount of trust. Clark realized he could finally be completely honest with his friend after she had earned his trust after keeping what she thought was what he wanted to keep from the world. Boy was she surprised to learn the REAL TRUTH from Clark. Loved the hospital scene in Arrival. Chlark at it's best.

Originally posted by Watching Smallville
I think that's a very important point. He has avoided telling everyone else he's extraterrestrial -- even when they knew about his powers.

Just what I'm trying to back up!:D

Liriel

05-03-2006, 05:09 AM

My interpretation - Clark told Lana because he was scared of losing her. Clark told Pete because he was scared of losing him. Clark told Chloe because she already knew half of it and not telling her the rest would be awkward and kind of pointless and would likely ruin their friendship (which I guess is also fear of losing her). The boy is ruled by fear. I do not find his telling Chloe any more signifiagant than his telling Pete.

He wanted to tell all of them, to tell the world (especially them, since they are people he cares about), but he only told them when outside circumstances forced the decision.

EllenF

05-03-2006, 05:17 AM

"The boy is ruled by fear."

True. And his telling Chloe under the influence of red K just reflects the fact that he loses his normal fears when on red K.

However, being ruled by fear is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm presently reading the graphic novel The Death of Clark Kent, which is a series of Superman comics exploring what happens to Clark's friends and family when a bad guy finds out who Superman really is. It's dangerous to know Clark's secret, either in the comics or on Smallville. This is why Clark will eventually need a secret identity, because when people know his secret, they are in danger, and he is very aware of that fact. This is why he's reluctant to tell anyone voluntarily.

Nospam

05-03-2006, 05:26 AM

Originally posted by jaime,oburg
The real secret is that Clark is an alien.
Chloe has been aware their are alot of people with special abilities. No big surprise or secret there. Many people Kyla, Alicia for example Clark admitted to being special. Chloe thought he was a meterior freak and he COULD have just gone along with what she thought his secret was. FOS could have been excused by the usual I dunno, weird huh or SV lame explaination that has been the acceptable canon with everyone.
He didn't have to tell her the real truth, he was an alien. That took an amount of trust. Clark realized he could finally be completely honest with his friend after she had earned his trust after keeping what she thought was what he wanted to keep from the world. Boy was she surprised to learn the REAL TRUTH from Clark. Loved the hospital scene in Arrival. Chlark at it's best.

Just what I'm trying to back up!:D

What I found interesting with the hospital scene in Arrival was that after Clark says there are things about himself even he does not understand, Chloe seems resigned to the fact that Clark is still holding something back. Of course, that's when Clark makes the decision to tell Chloe the truth. He could have just let her believe he was a meteor freak, but he didn't

In regards to Lana knowing the secret, I still contend that Clark's reasoning for not telling Lana is ridiculous. Whether she knows the secret or not, Lana would always be in danger as long as she remains close to Clark. In fact, anyone close to Clark in any relationship to him could potentially be in danger whether they know anything about the secret or not. It's not like those who know the secret carry around a neon sign over their heads. Recall how Lex confronted Chloe in the cave and how he was convinced she knew how Clark was connected to the cave. At that time, Chloe had no idea how Clark was connected to it (she probably held a strong suspicion in her mind that he was, though), yet there she was in danger from Lex.

Just wanted to throw that in there.

EllenF

05-03-2006, 05:37 AM

"In regards to Lana knowing the secret, I still contend that Clark's reasoning for not telling Lana is ridiculous. Whether she knows the secret or not, Lana would always be in danger as long as she remains close to Clark. In fact, anyone close to Clark in any relationship to him could potentially be in danger whether they know anything about the secret or not. It's not like those who know the secret carry around a neon sign over their heads."

Yes, of course Clark's reasoning is illogical. But he's in an impossible situation because of his abilities. By saving people and confronting bad guys, he makes himself known to them and thus puts everyone he knows in danger. But his only other option is to withdraw from the world and NOT save people, and given his "hero complex," that's not an option at all. It's a dilemma that will eventually lead to him donning the costume and carefully protecting his true identity.

In the meantime, it's not surprising that he overreacts to his fears of people being hurt because of him. He's seen Pete get beaten up because of him, seen Lana die twelve hours after learning his secret (whether or not as a direct result is really not relevant as far as he's concerned), and seen his parents get hurt repeatedly because of him. It's enough to drive anyone into raving paranoia. By keeping his secret to himself, he's doing the only thing he can to try to contain the situation and make him feel like he has a little control over it.

mallory

05-03-2006, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by EllenF

But another fact did occur to me: while on red K, Clark did voluntarily choose to tell Chloe about his secret. He didn't tell Lana his secret any of the times he was on red K.

I don't remember precisely, but didn't Pete set that whole thing up?

Krypton935

05-03-2006, 06:30 AM

yeah I know I felt so bad for her

LONG LIVE THE CHLARK!!!!

SnarkMasterJ

05-03-2006, 09:57 AM

Originally posted by mallory
I don't remember precisely, but didn't Pete set that whole thing up?

The events in "Rush" were kind of a tag team effort between the two of them (Pete and Clark):

Pete: We're gonna have some fun now! Where are your parents?

Clark: Out looking for you.

They go up the stairs to the upper level of the loft.

Chloe: So what's the plan?

Pete: I don't know, I was thinking maybe we'd go down to Saunders Gorge and jump the quarry. If we miss, Clark can catch us.

Clark: Let's do it!

Chloe: Yeah, right.

Clark: I'm serious.

Chloe gives Clark a confused look.

Pete: Can we tell her?

Clark: I'm surprised she hasn't figured it out already.

Chloe: Figured out what?

Clark: [Smiling, he picks up a bat] Hey, Pete. Do the honors?

Pete: With pleasure.

Pete takes the bat and whacks it into the back of Clark's head. It shatters.

And so on and so forth....

Realistically, Clark didn't even have to be as truthful with Chloe as he actually was. If he'd really wanted to, he could've passed himself off as your run-of-the-mill meteor freak. But he told her the whole truth (his alien heritage, the source of his powers, etc.), and that was completely his choice.

puddinpiester

05-03-2006, 10:34 AM

I may be mistaken, but didn't Pete, during the Rush epi, when the three of them were in the loft, just before Pete whacked Clark over the head with the bat, mention that Clark was his friend from another planet first? I'll watch it again if I get time. Seems like I remember something like that. I could be wrong.

As for the reveal in Arrival, didn't Clark ask Chloe how long she knew about him without saying exactly what it was he thought that she knew? Chloe told him that she knew since he caught the car like a beachball. I don't remember her saying what she thought he was exactly and I don't remember Clark saying what it was that he thought she knew. I thought he was confirming what he thought Chloe knew (that he is an alien) since the exact information known was not stated. I know she mentioned a "few blind spots" and then Clark sits down and comes clean with her. Did he know he was giving her knew information or did he think he was confirming what she already knew. (probably not)
I am trying hard here to support Clark's desire to conceal his extraterrestrial origin a secret. Though I'm not sure why. Guess it justs fits in better with the rest of the way I perceive Clark's character. And it helps to explain for me why he had not told Lanabell his secret. Of course, if my would be mate had been an evil witch and now is hanging out with an evil Lex, I might not, no, I'm sure I would not tell either. Too risky. Let alone the perceived burden that info might be.

This is so convoluted. Could be that Clark did actually volunteer his secret to Chloe. Afterall, she had proven her loyalty to him by not divulging his secret to anyone, including him. I really don't remember Lana showing that much loyalty to him.

Of course, that priceless look on her face when she came as close as she could to calling him an alien confirmed that the alien thing was news to her. I know in Bland she told the mindless Clark that she thought he was a meteor mutant. But Clark did not remember that. I just thought the writers were using a stretch to make Clark think she did already know his secret---the real secret that he is an alien. Of course, I usually give SV the benefit of a doubt when it comes to plotholes and crooked storylines. I'm just trying to help keep Clarks character consistent. Silly me.

Rayje

05-04-2006, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by puddinpiester
I may be mistaken, but didn't Pete, during the Rush epi, when the three of them were in the loft, just before Pete whacked Clark over the head with the bat, mention that Clark was his friend from another planet first? I'll watch it again if I get time. Seems like I remember something like that. I could be wrong.

It was after. Clark showed her his powers and then she asked him what he was. Clark said he wasn't from around there and Pete piped in that Clark was his brother, from another planet.

mallory

05-04-2006, 09:17 PM

Originally posted by Rayje
It was after. Clark showed her his powers and then she asked him what he was. Clark said he wasn't from around there and Pete piped in that Clark was his brother, from another planet.

Saying "I'm not from around here" means you're from a different planet?

JasonsLea

05-05-2006, 01:00 AM

Clark gets yet another stupid slap. Insensitive BDA.

love_sv

05-23-2006, 01:28 PM

I loved the Chlark in the DP. Chloe smiling and then Clark smiling back after he knocked on the window with the paper - that was so beautiful! I felt that Clark was less uptight and more relaxed than most times with Chloe in this episode. I love every scene with those two and I would gladly see Chlark romance in the future.

Yes he was a BDA to say Chloe had "no idea" how it felt to see someone you love in the arms of another person. Or maybe he was so hurt that the words came out before he could think. But yet again, Chloe shows her integrity and dignity in biting her lip and not letting her true feelings complicate things further.

Looking at how she's been a great friend to him and how nobly she acts - most of the time - I wouldn't be surprised if Clark fell head over heels very soon.